Anti-fog measures for image capture device

Abstract

An image capture device includes a housing and a lens cavity comprising an external lens that separates the lens cavity from an exterior environment. The lens cavity is connected with an inside of the housing. The image capture device includes a door positioned on the housing that opens the inside of the housing to the exterior environment. The image capture device includes a vent positioned on housing so that moisture can be vented from housing and the lens cavity to the exterior environment.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An image capture device, comprising:
 a housing; 
 a lens cavity comprising an external lens that separates the lens cavity from an exterior environment, the lens cavity connected with an inside of the housing; 
 a door positioned on the housing and configured to open the inside of the housing to the exterior environment; and 
 a vent that extends from the inside of the housing to an external surface of the housing so that moisture can be vented from the housing and the lens cavity to the exterior environment after the door is opened and closed. 
 
     
     
       2. The image capture device of  claim 1 , wherein the vent comprises a seal configured to allow the moisture to pass and block particulates between the exterior environment and the housing. 
     
     
       3. The image capture device of  claim 1 , wherein the vent comprises a seal configured to open and close so that the moisture is controllably ventable from the housing and lens cavity. 
     
     
       4. The image capture device of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a removable battery configured to be inserted and removed from the inside of the housing through the battery door. 
 
     
     
       5. The image capture device of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 an internal lens positioned within the lens cavity and separated from the external environment. 
 
     
     
       6. The image capture device of  claim 5 , wherein the vent is configured to vent the moisture from the lens cavity and the housing so that the internal lens and/or the external lens is free of fog. 
     
     
       7. The image capture device of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a channel that connects the inside of the housing and the lens cavity. 
 
     
     
       8. The image capture device of  claim 1 , wherein the channel comprises a seal configured to block particulates from passing between the inside of the housing and the lens cavity and allow moisture to pass between the housing and the lens cavity. 
     
     
       9. An image capture device, comprising:
 a housing; 
 a lens cavity; 
 a channel that fluidly connects the lens cavity and the housing; 
 a removable lens configured to connect with and enclose the lens cavity; and 
 a vent that is switchable between an open and closed position, extends between an inside of the housing an external environment, and is configured to release air and/or moisture from the lens cavity and the housing when the removable lens is connected with and encloses the lens cavity. 
 
     
     
       10. The image capture device of  claim 9 , further comprising:
 an internal lens assembly disposed in the channel. 
 
     
     
       11. The image capture device of  claim 9 , wherein the internal lens assembly comprises an image sensor. 
     
     
       12. The image capture device of  claim 9 , further comprising:
 a battery door positioned on the housing; and 
 a battery positioned within the housing, spaced a distance from the channel, and configured to be inserted and removed through the battery door. 
 
     
     
       13. The image capture device of  claim 9 , further comprising a seal that is disposed in the vent when the vent is in a closed position and is removed from the vent when the vent is in an open position. 
     
     
       14. The image capture device of  claim 9 , wherein the channel comprises a seal that is configured to allow moisture to flow between the housing and the lens cavity and prevent the flow of particulates between the housing and the lens cavity. 
     
     
       15. An image capture device, comprising:
 a housing; 
 a lens assembly that is free of a fluid connection with an exterior environment; 
 a channel that fluidly connects the lens assembly and the housing; 
 a door positioned on the housing; 
 a removable battery configured to be moved through the door; and 
 a vent that extends between an inside of the housing and the exterior environment and is configured to vent moisture from the inside of the housing and the lens assembly to prevent fog from obstructing the lens assembly when the vent is open, 
 wherein the housing is free of fluid connection with the exterior environment when the door is closed and the vent is closed. 
 
     
     
       16. The image capture device of  claim 15 , wherein the vent is configured equalize pressure between the housing and the exterior environment when the vent is open. 
     
     
       17. The image capture device of  claim 15 , wherein the channel comprises a seal that is configured to prevent particulates from traveling between the housing and the lens assembly. 
     
     
       18. The image capture device of  claim 17 , wherein the seal surrounds the lens assembly. 
     
     
       19. The image capture device of  claim 15 , wherein the vent comprises a seal that is configured to allow air and moisture and prevent particulates from flowing between the housing and the external environment when the vent is open. 
     
     
       20. The image capture device of  claim 15 , wherein the lens assembly comprises:
 an internal lens that is free of contact with the exterior environment; and 
 an external lens that has a surface exposed to the exterior environment.